There is friction at Chelsea, admits Kenyon

Peter Kenyon has admitted for the first time that there is friction behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s chief executive spoke publicly about the rift between Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich and revealed he had held talks with his unhappy team boss in an attempt to heal it.

Mourinho launched a fresh attack on the club’s failure to sign a replacement for his injured central defenders after the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday, a match Abmramovich declined to attend.

Kenyon said: "I think there is a healthy tension within the club, but it is focused on helping Chelsea move forward. We have demonstrated that just continuing in the same way is not going to win you the League or progress you as a football club.

"We have gone public in saying we respect the job Jose has done. We sat down and spoke in my office this week and he left with both of us knowing he is committed to Chelsea and we are committed to him."

Despite missing out on Bolton’s Tal Ben Haim, Kenyon insisted Chelsea still hoped to shore up an injury-depleted defence this month and claimed £20million-plus signings remained within their budget.

Kenyon dismissed suggestions that Abramovich tries to influence Mourinho over incoming transfers. He said: "Jose has the final say on that. What would be the point in having it any other way?"